3 WORST & 4 BEST YEARS of the Mazda 6

Overview / Context

• Mazda discontinued the Mazda 6 in the U.S. after the 2021 model year, without a direct replacement, frustrating some owners.
• The video frames the Mazda 6 (across years) as best known for driving feel—making commutes feel engaging rather than “appliance-like”—but with some major reliability/recall issues in certain early years.

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Worst Years (3 → 1)

Worst #3: 2014 Mazda 6

Key problems

• Highest complaint count in the third generation for that year: 240 problems reported on Car Complaints (2014 model year).
• J.D. Power reliability: 2/5 (lowest mentioned).
• Defective automatic transmission in early production:
  • Wrong-diameter bearing in the gearbox.
  • Symptom: high-pitched whine at highway speed.
  • TSB issued but not a recall, meaning owners could pay out of pocket if out of warranty.
  • TSB referenced: 05-005-1 5-3027A.
  • Repair cost estimate: $5,000–$5,600; one documented case totaled $5,400.
• Recalls: Four total, including:
  • Parking brake actuator shaft corrosion, which could lead to brake failure to engage/disengage properly and potential rolling on an incline.
• Other concerns:
  • Clear coat peeling on hood/trunk/roof around ~115,000 miles (primarily aesthetic).

What buyers should do

• Request full service history.
• Ask specifically whether the transmission was inspected/replaced.
• Run the VIN through NHTSA and confirm all recalls are closed (including the 4 recalls).

Verdict for 2014

• Avoid unless the car has documented transmission replacement and clean recall closure, because a $5k+ repair bill is a plausible risk.

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Worst #2: 2009 Mazda 6

Key problems

• Described as the most complained-about model year in the entire second generation.
• Reported issues include:
  • Engine failures
  • Melting dashboard
• Major structural issue: subframe corrosion
  • NHTSA opened a federal investigation in May 2018, 9 years after sale.
• Real-world subframe failure descriptions include:
  • Loud crack during braking (~30 mph), soft steering, needing major steering correction, wheel movement by hand after lifting.
  • Lower control arm detaching from subframe while driving (reported as lucky the owner was moving slowly).
• Official recall context:
  • Mazda recalled 48,814 units (2009 and 2010 sedans) due to suspension component rust that could break and cause loss of control.
  • NHTSA campaign: 18V631
  • Mazda recall: 2818I
  • Affected vehicles sold/registered in 22 salt states + DC.
• Important limitation:
  • Recall covered only the front, while owners report catastrophic rear subframe failure not formally covered.
• Dashboard/airbag mentions:
  • Includes “on top of” concerns related to Takata airbag inflator recalls (wider industry issue).
• Engine repair costs:
  • Average engine repair costs cited: ~$3,000.

What buyers should do (especially for the used market today)

• Because it’s now about 17 years old, inspect aggressively:
  • Put on a lift.
  • Check both front and rear subframes (not just the front).
  • Check control arms and rear crossmember.
• Run VIN via NHTSA and confirm 18V631 is closed, but note: rear risk remains since no recall solution is indicated for it.

Verdict for 2009

• High structural risk—especially for salt-state cars—so it’s largely an “inspect/avoid-by-default” year unless condition history is excellent.

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Worst #1: 2004 Mazda 6

Key problems

• Rated the worst model year in Mazda 6 history (per Car Complaints), not necessarily by raw count but by:
  • Higher repair costs
  • More failures at lower mileage
• First-generation context:
  • Built on a shared Ford platform, with Mazda engineering layered on top.
  • Early production “teething issues.”
• Engine problems (NHTSA-reported):
  • Engine failures without warning
  • Timing chain failures, leading to labor-intensive rebuilds and sometimes unreparable engines.
• 2.3L engine oil consumption:
  • Reported loss of ~3 liters of oil in 1,500 km with no visible leak and no warning signs.
• Transmission issues:
  • Rough shifting, inability to engage gears, gear engagement failures (automatic and manual).
• Safety/vehicle system issues:
  • Airbag sensor housing cracking, creating water short-circuit risk; recall mentioned covering 2004–2007.
  • A/C failures: sometimes would not start in Park, starting only after shifting to Neutral; said Mazda never formally addressed.
• Rust:
  • Significant early unibody/undercarriage corrosion in salt states, described as “alarming” before typical 10-year timeline.

Verdict for 2004

• The video’s advice is blunt: avoid the 2004 (while noting that other first-gen years like 2007–2008 can deliver the benefits without the “first-year gamble”).

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Best Years (4 → 1)

Best #4: 2013 Mazda 6 (End of Second Generation)

Key positives

• Presented as one of the cleanest reliability records across the Mazda 6’s run.
• Subframe corrosion issues from 2009/2010 are “behind it.”
• Early second-gen engine/dash problems are “refined out.”
• Independent/use-source support:
  • Cars.com: standout second-gen year (minimal NHTSA complaints + strong satisfaction).
  • Engine Patrol: minimal NHTSA complaints + least problematic.
  • Edmunds owner rating cited: 4.4/5.0.
• Features:
  • 2.5L 4-cylinder producing 170 hp
  • Big trunk, spacious cabin
  • Driving dynamics praised

Technology highlight

• Introduced i-ELOOP regenerative braking using a capacitor in the front fender, framed as ahead of its time for a non-hybrid sedan in 2013.

Remaining caution

• 2011–2013 models are included in the salt-state front subframe corrosion recall:
  • NHTSA 18V631 / Mazda 2818
• Advice: verify recall is closed on the VIN and still do a lift inspection (both subframes). If clean underneath, it’s positioned as an excellent used buy.

Verdict for 2013

• Strong choice if recall status is confirmed and rust-free.

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Best #3: 2019 Mazda 6 (Sorted Point of Third Generation)

Key positives

• Engine Patrol: one of the most reliable years with minimal complaints.
• KBB rating cited: 4.5/5.0.
• Consumer Reports: only one recall.
• Mid-cycle improvements:
  • Subtle exterior refresh (front fascia) + interior revamp
  • Safety tech: i-ACTIVSENSE including AEB, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist (as available)
• Powertrain reliability maturity:
  • 2014 transmission defect “long corrected by 2019.”
  • Powertrain software validated over 5 years.
  • 2018 turbo 2.5L SkyActiv-G: 250 hp / 310 lb-ft; by 2019 there’s “one year of production behind it.”
  • Non-turbo 2.5L described as trouble-free and lasting 300,000+ miles (carcomplaints.com claim).

Caution

• PCM software recall shared by 2018–2019:
  • Mazda recall 3719F
  • Risk: software error could cause engine stalling.
  • Dealership reprograms PCM free of charge.
• Advice: confirm recall closed via NHTSA before purchase.

Verdict for 2019

• Excellent overall reliability and refinement for the third gen, with one important software recall to verify.

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Best #2: 2020 Mazda 6 (Highest Reliability Endorsement)

Key positives

• Consumer Reports: more reliable than other cars from the same model year.
• Engineering/score info cited:
  • JD Power score: 82/100
  • “zero recalls,” “minimal complaints,” and most reliable Mazda 6 model produced (per the video’s ranking).
• Ratings:
  • Edmunds: 4.5/5.0
  • KBB: 4.5/5.0
• Numbers and status:
  • “Zero recalls, zero complaints to speak of on NHTSA” (as stated by video).
• Maturity rationale:
  • Third gen had ~6 years of production behind it (sorted).
  • No significant mechanical changes; refinements integrated.
• Fixes addressed by this year:
  • PCM issue from 2018–2019 presumed resolved.
  • Parking brake actuator recall corrected (2014–2015).
  • Mazda Connect issues received updates by 2017.

User experience highlights

• Owners report noticeable improvement in cabin refinement and sound insulation vs earlier models.
• One owner compared it to BMW/Audi interior quality “per dollar” and couldn’t find many negative reviews.

Verdict for 2020

• The video’s recommendation: if you can find a clean 2020, that’s the target.

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Best #1: 2021 Mazda 6 (Final Year; “The One to Buy”)

Key positives

• Framed as best overall because it’s the last Mazda 6 and most refined.
• Reliability/score highlights:
  • Zero NHTSA recalls
  • J.D. Power: 83/100
  • RepairPal: ranked 6th out of 24 mid-size vehicles
  • KBB: 78% of owners give 5/5 stars
• Engineering maturity: “seven years of third-gen refinement” carried into 2021.
• Improvements/features:
  • Better noise insulation from the 2018 refresh
  • Cylinder deactivation (Skyactiv-G 2.5L)
  • Blind spot monitoring + rear cross traffic alert standard on every trim
  • Engine choices:
    • 187 hp naturally aspirated
    • 250 hp / 310 lb-ft turbo
  • Uses a conventional 6-speed automatic (not CVT).

Caution (important)

• Turbo model caveat: valve stem seal class action settlement covering multiple 2021 Mazda models (approved March 2024).
  • Issue: defective seals allow oil to leak into combustion chamber → excessive consumption between changes.
  • Fix works, but the video advises verifying:
    • Run VIN via NHTSA
    • Ask for dealer service records showing the repair
    • Check dipstick before test drive

User experience / comparison

• One KBB owner cross-shopped an Audi A6 and said the 2021 delivered the best combination of driving feel + interior quality + reliability confidence for the price.

Verdict for 2021

• Strong “buy it” recommendation overall—just ensure the turbo settlement fix is verified (if shopping turbo).

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Unique Points Explicitly Mentioned About the “Product Being Reviewed” (Mazda 6)

1. Discontinued in U.S. after 2021; no replacement offered.
2. Identity: best driving mid-size sedan, not a best-selling model.
3. 2014 third-gen launch issues: new platform + Skyactiv tech; highest complaints for that third-gen year.
4. 2014 transmission defect: wrong bearing in early automatic transmissions; not recalled, expensive repair (~$5k+).
5. 2014 additional recall: parking brake actuator shaft corrosion (possible brake failure/rolling).
6. 2014 aesthetic issue: clear coat peeling around ~115k miles.
7. 2009 second-gen: structural subframe corrosion + dashboard/engine failures; investigation and major recall limited to front subframe.
8. 2009 rust-state exposure is critical; rear subframe risk described as not formally recalled.
9. 2004 first-gen: engine, transmission, airbag sensor, A/C starting/park issue, and heavy rust; advised to avoid.
10. 2013: end of second gen; refined reliability; i-ELOOP introduced; still includes front subframe recall eligibility (for salt states).
11. 2019: most “sorted” third-gen point; i-ACTIVSENSE; non-turbo 2.5L described as long-lasting; PCM software recall 3719F to verify.
12. 2020: presented as most reliable Mazda 6 with high scoring (JD Power 82/100) and strong ratings (Edmunds/KBB 4.5).
13. 2021: best overall; zero NHTSA recalls; JD Power 83/100; KBB 78% 5-star; turbo oil consumption settlement to verify.

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Pros / Cons (Implied by the Video)

Pros

• Consistently praised as fun to drive / engaging driving dynamics.
• In the best years (2013/2019/2020/2021), reliability and refinement are presented as strong.
• Safety tech and cabin refinement improve in later third-gen years.
• 2021 especially: strong ratings and features, including standard blind spot monitoring + rear cross traffic alert, and cylinder deactivation.

Cons / Risks

• Major reliability/structural risks concentrated in early years:
  • 2004 (engine/transmission, airbags, A/C, rust)
  • 2009 (subframe corrosion—front recalled only, rear risk mentioned)
  • 2014 (transmission defect + expensive out-of-warranty risk)
• Even “best” years have verification needs:
  • 2013 salt-state subframe recall closure
  • 2019 PCM software recall closure
  • 2021 turbo valve stem seal settlement verification

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Comparisons Made

• Within the Mazda 6 lineup: worst years vs best years; “sorted” maturity over time.
• To other cars in the segment:
  • 2019 owner comparison: Mazda felt like a sports sedan vs competitors feeling like transportation.
  • 2020 owner: interior quality per dollar vs BMW/Audi.
  • 2021 owner: cross-shopped Audi A6, chose Mazda 6 for driving feel, interior quality, and reliability confidence.

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Speaker-Specific Views

• The video is presented as a single narrator/host compiling data from:
  • Car Complaints, J.D. Power, NHTSA, Consumer Reports, KBB/Edmunds/Cars.com
• It also includes anecdotal owner stories referenced as “one owner” or from comments/forums.

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Overall Recommendation / Verdict

Best bet (safest used purchase)

• 2021 Mazda 6 (especially if you verify the turbo valve stem seal settlement repair where applicable).

Great alternative

• 2020 Mazda 6 for top reliability and refinement.

Strong value pick

• 2019 Mazda 6, if you verify the 2018–2019 PCM software recall is closed.

Avoid unless you find documented proof/clean history

• 2014, 2009, and especially 2004, due to high-risk, expensive, or structural issues emphasized in the video.